Biography

Jeff Fortenberry was elected to the United States House of Representatives in November 2004 to represent Nebraska's First Congressional District. He is an experienced public servant prepared to meet the challenges before the United States Congress, and is committed to representing the interests of the people of eastern Nebraska.

In Congress, Jeff has numerous committee and subcommittee assignments. His service on the Agriculture Committee includes sitting on the Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Rural Development and Research; the Subcommittee on Operations, Oversight, Nutrition and Forestry; and the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management.

As a member of the International Relations Committee, Jeff serves on the Subcommittee on the Middle East and Central Asia and the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Human Rights and International Operations.

In his role with the Small Business Committee, he serves on the Subcommittee on Rural Enterprises, Agriculture and Technology and the Subcommittee on Tax, Finance and Exports.

Jeff served from 1997-2001 as an at-large member on the Lincoln City Council. As a council member he worked on many economic development and community revitalization projects, including the transition of a major public hospital to the private sector, and the building of a new baseball stadium.

Jeff took particular interest in local and neighborhood concerns while serving on the city council. He focused on public safety, adding twenty-four new police officers; and on community development and planning. During his service, Jeff never once raised the tax burden on families or businesses while balancing the cityıs budget.

While completing a Masters degree in public policy at Georgetown University, Jeff worked for the United States Senate with the Subcommittee on Intergovernmental Relations. Jeff's service with the Subcommittee coincided with the farm crisis of the mid 1990s. During his time with the Subcommittee he examined the way falling agricultural land values were affecting local municipalities, and offered practical solutions. Jeff has also participated in a number of vital cost-benefit analysis assessments on public works projects across the country.

Jeff is a successful businessman with an extensive career in the publishing industry and many years experience in various small business investments.

Jeff has a strong vision for representing the First Congressional District in Congress. He believes the strength of our nation depends on the strength of our communities and families. He is working to create economic strength and opportunities for our families, communities, and small businesses. He supports strengthening our national security as well as efforts for international stability and order. And Jeff represents the best traditions of Nebraska communities.

Jeff and his wife, Celeste, have five little girls.